Disability Law Experts 2025

Kristin Dillon is a writer and autism advocate focused on disability culture, community access, and how families navigate support systems. Her reporting appears in Uniquely You! Magazine, where she covers autism advocacy and the systems shaping disability services.

I help people who can't work. I also help teach other lawyers and professionals how to build better workflows to do more with less. If you know where you're going and how to get there you'll have more success and happier clients. Currently working in tech on new solutions for agile teams in legal and beyond to manage and automate their entire business in a truly simple and intuitive way. Serial tinkerer with ryeboard.com, dendri.com, birtly.com and more.

I'm Natasha M. Nurse, Esq., a neurodivergent pathfinder who thrives on storytelling to spark change and understanding. Empathy drives me as I forge inclusive spaces where every voice matters. Through dynamic workshops, impactful content, and insightful conversations, my goal is to integrate diversity into the core of every organization I engage with. My life's motto is simple yet profound: learn something new and meet someone new each and every day. This philosophy fuels my endless curiosity and creative endeavors daily.

Dr. Dawn Berlin is an experienced consultant, advocate, and academic with over 30 years of expertise at the intersection of education and disability advocacy. Holding a Ph.D. from UCLA, she brings a deep, research-based understanding of behavior, learning, and communication to results-driven collaborative work with families and schools. As a faculty member at California State University and lecturer at UCLA, Dr. Berlin developed and taught courses in classroom management, special education law, assessment, inclusion, and instructional strategies. Her teaching and administrative experience ranges from preschool through adult transition programs, across the continuum of services from general education through residential treatment centers and juvenile justice programs. As an advocate, Dr. Berlin partners closely with families to help them navigate the often complex and overwhelming special education process. She offers a calm, student-centered approach—guiding parents to clarify their goals, understand their rights, and build collaborative, productive relationships with school teams. Her support empowers families to participate fully and effectively in shaping their child’s educational experience and long-term success. Dr. Berlin also shares her expertise with educators through conference presentations, professional development workshops, and program improvement consultation with school districts and SELPAs. Her goal is to advance inclusive practices and ensure that teachers and service providers are equipped with the tools and understanding they need to implement IEPs and support all learners. With a career grounded in scholarship, hands-on experience, and a deep commitment to equity, Dr. Berlin brings clarity, compassion, and expertise to every collaboration—supporting families, educators, and school communities in working together to help students thrive.

PROFESSIONAL Healthcare runs on people - providers, administrators, executives making decisions under pressure in a fragmented system. That's where I work. If you're covering what it actually takes to lead organizations through major and disruptive change - I have a perspective built from experience. I've spent over two decades working at senior and board levels within healthcare organizations. I was the CHRO and a product executive at a major Blue Cross Blue Shield plan. Now I run my own consulting practice and serve as an independent advisor affiliated with EBG Advisors. My clients are health systems, physician groups, behavioral health providers, and investor-backed companies navigating transitions - acquisitions, integration, and operating model changes. I've led leadership teams and boards to align their business and workforce strategies while simultaneously improving performance, employee engagement and organizational health. ADVOCACY My adult son is profoundly autistic AND his life was saved by medical cannabis. Those two facts don't stay in a corner of my life. They have changed my family's life, and they inform how I think about policy, service systems, and who gets left out of the conversation. If you're covering autism policy, what families of severely autistic individuals actually need from the service system, or the intersection of healthcare policy and patient access to cannabis - I'm available to talk. I serve on the board of the National Council for Severe Autism (NCSA), focused on individuals with severe autism and complex needs. This is one area of health policy where the most severe and complex cases are disproportionately underrepresented in research, funding, policy design, and public discourse. They don't capture the reality for families like mine, where the daily stakes involve safety, access to healthcare, housing, and support services. I also support Americans for Safe Access, the leading organization advancing legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use. Patients and families are making decisions about cannabis in an environment that is fragmented and poorly researched. Better science and better access policy matters. I know firsthand what's at stake when both fall short.

Angela B. Ryan, Esq. is an attorney, advocate, and educator working at the intersection of child welfare law, maternal and reproductive justice, and healthcare equity. A former public defender and law professor at Villanova University, she has represented parents and hundreds of children in child abuse and neglect proceedings, taught future lawyers, and contributed to policy efforts aimed at protecting vulnerable children, parents, and families. After experiencing severe medical mismanagement during childbirth, Angela began writing and speaking on patient rights, informed consent, and the systemic failures facing women in healthcare. Her work bridges law, policy, and lived experience to help journalists, lawyers, and policymakers understand how institutional breakdowns harm real families—and how accountability can be rebuilt. What systems write off, she writes back in. She is the author of Dispatches From the Middle, a widely read series on motherhood, maternal health, patient rights, and the lived experience of chronic illness.

I run Effective IEPs, a special education advocacy practice for families navigating evaluations, IEP meetings, service disputes, and educational rights. I hold a BA in special education and an M.Ed. in instructional design, focused on K-12 applications, and have spent 18 years in disability and education, about 15 of them teaching executive-functioning skills directly to teens. I've sat through hundreds of IEP meetings advocating for students with ADHD, autism, twice exceptionality, and PDA, and guided many families through 504-to-IEP transitions. I'm not a lawyer, and I don't give legal advice. What I offer is the view from inside the room: what IDEA and Section 504 actually require, what districts typically do, and what parents can ask for before a decision gets made instead of after. I'm quick to respond and comfortable on the record, by phone, or over email.

Alicia Trautwein is an autistic mother of four, three of whom are also autistic, and one of the most trusted voices in neurodiverse family advocacy. She is the founder of The Mom Kind, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families navigating autism diagnosis, IEPs, Medicaid, mental health systems, and daily neurodiverse life. A regular columnist for Autism Parenting Magazine, Trautwein has spoken at the Autism Parenting Summit, a global event featuring experts including Dr. Temple Grandin, and contributed to SEN Magazine, ActiveBeat, and Authority Magazine. She hosts The Mom Kind Podcast and previously hosted "Unmasking Autism" on Win Win Women Network.

**Dr. Liz Nissim, Ph.D.** is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Certified School Psychologist with extensive experience in psychological assessment, psychoeducational evaluations, mental health treatment, and educational advocacy. Through her private practice, Psychological & Educational Consulting, LLC, she works with children, adolescents, adults, and families addressing ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, executive functioning challenges, anxiety, behavioral concerns, and other mental health and educational needs. Dr. Nissim specializes in comprehensive psychoeducational and psychological evaluations, helping individuals and families understand the relationship between cognitive abilities, learning, attention, executive functioning, and emotional well-being. She also provides consultation and advocacy related to IEPs, 504 plans, educational accommodations, and school-based support. Her expertise includes ADHD and executive functioning, autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia and other learning disabilities, giftedness and twice-exceptionality, and the ways these conditions can present differently across development. As a psychologist, Dr. Nissim brings a practical, clinically grounded perspective to topics involving mental health, education, parenting, neurodiversity, and child and adolescent development. She is particularly interested in discussing ADHD masking, perfectionism and compensatory behaviors, the experiences of girls and women with ADHD, executive functioning, learning differences, autism, and the intersection of psychological and educational functioning. Dr. Nissim is also experienced in forensic and professional consultation and works with attorneys on psychological and psychoeducational matters. She is available to provide expert commentary for journalists, media outlets, podcasts, and other publications seeking an experienced clinical and educational psychology perspective.

Tracy Sanders Rucker, Esq., is a nationally recognized employment, education, and immigration law attorney, bestselling author, and continuing legal education (CLE) presenter. Founder of Natural Hair and the Law and the Attorney Tracy Sanders Foundation, she is a leading voice on hair texture discrimination, workplace culture, and post-DEI compliance in schools and businesses. Her work has been featured by ABC, MSNBC, TLC, Essence, Avvo, and the Los Angeles Sentinel, and she has spoken at Yale University, Arizona State University, Loyola Law School, Arizona State University, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, and other higher education institutions. She has authored bestsellers, including Natural Hair in the Workplace: What Are Your Rights?, The CROWN Act Handbook, and Wearing Our Crowns — each recognized in national media and ranked #1 in key legal categories on Amazon Kindle. Her advocacy has earned honors from U.S. Congress members, Netflix, eBay, Benedict College Women’s Business Center, and the Los Angeles Lakers Women’s Business Awards. She also hosts the Legal Talk With Tracy Sanders podcast and earned degrees from Syracuse University College of Law, the University of South Carolina, and Cornell University’s Women’s Entrepreneurship program. See: https://smb.americanpress.com/article/Attorney-Tracy-Sanders-Launches-Insightful-New-Book-on-Hair-Texture-Discrimination-in-Workplaces-and-Schools?storyId=683ff0e944ed71000866c89f http://int.cerifilegaledge.com/program_guide/search_results.jsf?courseTopicType=1&provider=32008108&requireCourseNumber=false&accredStatus=%5B%5D&format=On+Demand.Live.Live+Conference https://lexvid.com/cle-speakers/tracy-sanders-rucker https://www.lawline.com/lawyer/tracy-sanders-rucker

Accident Defenders are committed to defending your rights at every possible level. We deeply understand the devastating financial and emotional consequences of work injuries and workplace harassment which result in pay loss. We will assist you in obtaining the highest possible compensation for your case. Communicate telephonically so that we can get an idea of whether you need an employment discrimination lawyer or a personal injury lawyer.

Hi, I’m Susan McCorkindale. I’m an author, autism advocate, and speaker who speaks from lived experience no parent expects… and every parent needs to hear. After spending 19 months navigating the criminal justice system with my autistic adult son, I created LAWTISM: Autism, the Law, and What Parents Need to Know, a resource that’s helped hundreds of families avoid the devastating consequences of being unprepared. My work centers on awareness, prevention, and protecting autistic individuals in systems that were never built for them.

I’m Theresa White, a Career Clarity Expert and 5x Certified Career Coach dedicated to helping professionals find purpose and direction in their careers. With a background in HR and a deep commitment to empowering others, I’ve guided hundreds of professionals to uncover fulfilling and impactful career paths. My work is more than just career coaching; I’m a clarity strategist, known for using my unique insights and proven methods to unlock the potential within my clients. Through my proprietary Career Clarity Formula, I deliver rapid, transformative results for clients who are tired of feeling stuck and uncertain about their professional futures. My approach combines practical tools, like the Sparketype® Assessment, with research-backed techniques to help people uncover their true strengths and aspirations. These “aha moments” are the core of my work, and they’re what allow my clients to move forward with confidence, clarity, and purpose. Through y program, I've transformed career coaching into a results-driven journey that brings clarity and purpose, while reducing the time traditionally spent on finding direction. This approach has empowered my clients to find careers they love, often with improvements in income, work-life balance, and overall satisfaction. As a leading voice in career clarity and career change, my work has been recognized by clients and industry leaders alike. I’ve seen firsthand the transformative effect that career clarity can have, especially for professionals in corporate roles who feel disconnected from their work. Helping them achieve a renewed sense of purpose and motivation has become a central focus of my work, and it’s one of the most rewarding aspects of what I do. If you’re a journalist covering career development, employee engagement, or women’s professional empowerment, my perspective might be of interest to your audience. I’m passionate about reshaping the field of career coaching with actionable, purpose-driven strategies that tap into people’s potential. Through my programs, speaking engagements, and client success stories, I’m redefining career clarity as a pathway to true fulfillment, purpose, and long-lasting success. I would be honored to share my insights and success stories with your audience, offering a fresh take on how people can achieve meaningful, sustainable career change.

Dr. Caroline Fraissinet is an organizational change specialist and career development expert who bridges the gap between traditional career services and mental health-informed workplace practices. With an Ed.D. in Organizational Change and Leadership from USC and over 7 years directing career programs at the university level, she brings both academic rigor and practical insight to conversations about the future of work. Her doctoral research examined structural barriers low-income students face in unpaid entertainment industry internships, making her a sought-after voice on economic equity in career access. Caroline serves on the Board of Directors for DBSA California, where she designed the award-winning "Career Navigation for People with Mood Disorders" workshop series. This work earned her the 2025 DBSA Outstanding Peer Leader Award and established her innovative coaching approach: helping professionals find "work that works for you" rather than forcing themselves into incompatible frameworks. She integrates acceptance-based principles with traditional career theory, encouraging clients to work with their natural rhythms and energy levels rather than against them—recognizing that conventional career advice often overlooks crucial factors like schedule impacts, environmental needs, and sustainable work arrangements for people with mental health conditions. Her expertise spans higher education trends, Gen Z workforce development, the intersection of mental health and career sustainability, organizational change management, and building workplace cultures that support wellbeing. She has published in industry journals, moderated panels with audiences of 1,000+, and brings 20+ years of public speaking experience to media opportunities. Caroline is available for expert commentary on career development, workplace mental health, higher education, organizational culture, and the evolving landscape of work-life integration.

New York admitted attorney who began his legal career at a New York City District Attorney's Office and later built a government-facing career working across local, state, and federal partners. He served as Deputy Director of Government Relations at a national nonprofit, coordinating across more than 35 internal teams and external stakeholders to build an outreach strategy that helped take pilot programs from early-stage concepts to city and statewide scale. He brings a practical, implementation-focused approach that connects law, policy, and government process to operational execution. He is also a contributor on WBUR (NPR)'s investigative podcast Beyond All Repair, which won the 2025 Ambie for Best True Crime Podcast and was named among Vulture's best podcasts of 2024.

I am an attorney with over 30 years of experience in civil and criminal law and am conversant in legislative as well as litigation matters. This experience has offered me a good perspective of the preparations needed for effective prosecution of debt recovery while keeping a very watchful eye on protecting the many rights afforded to individuals under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act ("SCRA"). I have written extensively on the SCRA.

Long Island estate lawyer Lawrence Eric Davidow is the managing partner of the firm Davidow, Davidow, Siegel & Stern, which was founded by his grandfather in 1913. He provides experienced counsel to seniors and business owners with estate planning, elder law, Medicaid, and special needs matters. He is also committed to informing elders, the disabled, and their families of their rights, providing education via seminars, blog, podcast, and his book "Listen to Lawrence If You're Planning to Keep It."

Legal researcher and advisor with 18 years of experience in U.S. and Canadian immigration law, administrative and public law, and corporate and commercial matters. LLM, George Mason University — Antonin Scalia Law School. Published peer-reviewed researcher in international law journals covering access to justice, immigration frameworks, and cross-border legal systems. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Dr. Chantal Lunderville, MD is a UCSF-trained family medicine physician and nationally recognized expert in medical wellness, aesthetics, compliance, and practice growth. She serves as the Medical Wellness Editor for Lipgloss and Aftershave, a leading spa industry publication with a reach of more than 250,000 readers and followers. She has been mentioned in Forbes, and she has been a featured speaker for global brands including L’Oréal and Epicutis. As the medical director for 20+ aesthetic and wellness practices across California, Dr. Lunderville specializes in helping doctors, nurses, and entrepreneurs build safe, compliant, and scalable practices. She and her team have developed proprietary software that enables medspas to track compliance, medical director oversight, and regulatory requirements- now being made available to the public to elevate industry standards. She has also hosted large-scale women's wellness events and professional trainings with sponsors such as goop Kitchen, AQ Solutions, UnderSkin, South Coast Psychiatry, and Reproductive Partners. A former medical spa owner turned national consultant, Dr. Lunderville empowers women in aesthetics to build legacy-driven, ethical businesses. She is also a leader in longevity and preventive wellness, blending evidence-based lifestyle wellness with advanced regenerative treatments. She is also an aesthetic and womens health trainer focusing on new practitioners. Dr. Lunderville is available for expert commentary on aesthetics, medical wellness, compliance, women’s entrepreneurship, and the future of longevity medicine.

Mark and Julie Richards bring over 60 years of combined experience advocating for and supporting autistic individuals and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Their approach is rooted in person-centered care, strengths-based accommodations, and fostering true community integration. Julie Richards holds two Master’s degrees in education and has dedicated her career to empowering children and youth. Mark Richards holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and brings extensive experience leading behavioral health facilities. He currently serves as a consultant for an independent living community in Texas, specializing in IDD and related support needs.